Finding and selecting your network

To connect to WiFi, you first need to see which networks are available near you. On your device, open the WiFi settings — this is usually in a Settings app or a quick-access menu. Your device will show a list of network names (called SSIDs). Look for the name of your own network, which you chose when you set up your router, or the default name that came with it.

If you do not see your network name in the list, the router may be too far away, turned off, or broadcasting is disabled. Move closer to the router and check that it is powered on — you should see lights on the front. If the network still does not appear after a minute, restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.

Once you see your network name, tap or click on it. Your device will ask for the password next.

Key Takeaways

  • Your WiFi network name appears in your device's WiFi settings list — look for the name you chose during router setup.
  • The password is case-sensitive, so uppercase and lowercase letters matter; check the exact spelling on your router label or setup paperwork.
  • If your device connects but the internet does not work, restart both the router and your device, then wait 30 seconds before trying again.
  • Forgetting the network and reconnecting from scratch fixes most connection problems that happen after the initial setup.
  • If you cannot remember your password, you can reset the router to factory settings, but this erases all your settings and requires setup again.

Entering your WiFi password

When you select your network, a password field will appear. Type the password exactly as it is — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning that capital letters are different from lowercase letters. If your password is "MyNetwork123", typing "mynetwork123" will not work.

If you are not sure what your password is, check the label on the back or bottom of your router. Most routers have a sticker with the default password printed on it. If you changed the password during setup and cannot remember it, write down what you think it might be and try that first. If it does not work, you will need to reset the router.

After you type the password, tap or click the button to connect. Your device will contact the router and verify the password. This usually takes a few seconds.

What happens after you connect

Once the password is accepted, your device will show that it is connected to the network. On most devices, a WiFi icon appears in the top corner or status bar. However, being connected to the network is not the same as having working internet — your router itself needs to be connected to your internet service provider.

Open a web browser and try to visit a website. If the page loads, your internet is working. If the page does not load or shows an error, the problem is likely with your router's connection to your internet service, not with your device's connection to the router. Restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait two to three minutes for it to fully restart, then try the website again.

Fixing a connection that keeps dropping

If your device connects but then disconnects after a few minutes or hours, the problem is usually one of three things: the device is too far from the router, interference from other devices, or a problem with the router itself.

First, move closer to the router and try again. If the connection stays stable when you are near the router but drops when you move away, distance is the problem. You may need to move the router to a more central location, or use a WiFi extender to reach farther parts of your home.

If the connection drops even when you are close to the router, restart both your device and the router. Turn off your device completely, unplug the router for 30 seconds, plug the router back in, wait for it to fully restart (usually one to two minutes), then turn your device back on. This clears temporary problems that cause disconnections.

If disconnections continue, try forgetting the network and reconnecting. Go to your WiFi settings, find your network name, and select the option to forget it. Then select the network again and enter the password as if you were connecting for the first time. This forces your device to create a fresh connection instead of using old settings that may have become corrupted.

Connecting multiple devices to the same network

Your router can handle multiple devices at once — phones, tablets, computers, smart speakers, and other devices can all connect to the same network simultaneously. Each device connects the same way: find the network name in WiFi settings, select it, and enter the password.

If you have many devices and some are having trouble connecting while others work fine, the problem is usually that your router has reached its limit or one device is using most of the bandwidth. Restart the router to clear out old connections. If problems continue, check whether any single device is downloading large files or streaming video — pause those activities and try connecting the new device again.

Resetting your password if you forget it

If you cannot remember your WiFi password and it is not on the router label, you can reset the router to its factory settings. This erases all your custom settings, including the network name and password, and returns the router to the state it was in when you first bought it.

To reset the router, locate the small reset button on the back or bottom — it is usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pin to press it. With the router powered on, press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, then release it. The router will restart, and all lights will blink as it resets. This takes about two minutes.

After the reset, the router will broadcast its default network name and password, which are printed on the label. You can then connect using those credentials. After you connect, you should set up the router again and create a new network name and password that you will remember.

When your device will not connect at all

If your device sees the network but will not connect no matter what password you enter, try these steps in order. First, restart your device completely — turn it off, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then try connecting again.

If that does not work, forget the network (go to WiFi settings, select your network, and choose forget or remove), then reconnect by selecting the network again and entering the password. This clears any corrupted connection data on your device.

If the device still will not connect, restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting for it to fully restart. Then try connecting your device again.

If none of these steps work, the problem may be that your device's WiFi hardware is not working, or the router is rejecting the device for a technical reason. Try connecting a different device to the same network to see whether the problem is with your device or with the router. If other devices connect fine, your device may need repair. If no devices can connect, the router itself may need to be reset or replaced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my password keep saying it is wrong when I know it is correct?

Passwords are case-sensitive, so check that you are typing capital letters exactly as they appear. Also check for spaces at the beginning or end of the password — these are straightforward to miss but will cause the connection to fail. If you are still stuck, look at the router label again to confirm the exact password, or try the default password if you changed it and cannot remember the new one.

Can I connect to someone else's WiFi network?

Yes, if you have their permission and their password. Find their network name in your WiFi settings, select it, and enter the password they give you. You will connect the same way you connect to your own network. If you want to connect regularly, ask them for the password so you do not have to ask each time.

What is the difference between 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks?

Some routers broadcast two networks at once — one at 2.4GHz and one at 5GHz. The 5GHz network is faster but does not reach as far. The 2.4GHz network is slower but works better at distance and through walls. If you see both network names, try 5GHz first if you are close to the router, or 2.4GHz if you are farther away or having trouble connecting.

Do I have to enter the password every time I connect?

No. After you connect once and your device accepts the password, it remembers the network and password. The next time you turn on your device near that network, it will connect automatically without asking for the password again. You only need to enter the password once per device.

Is my WiFi password the same as my internet password?

No. Your WiFi password is for connecting to the wireless network from your router. Your internet password is for logging into your account with your internet service provider. They are separate. You only need the WiFi password to connect devices to your home network.